Oleksandr Usik retained his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles through a split-decision victory over Anthony Joshua in a thrilling contest in Jeddah.
Fighting 11 months after their initial encounter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Usick brilliantly overthrew Joshua, each brought new intensity to their rivalry, reaching a sensational climax during rounds nine and 10 as the action progressed. And fell behind.
Oleksandr Usyk Retains His Heavyweight Belts Via Split Decision
In a rematch between the two boxers, Oleksandr Usyak won again, retaining his three heavyweight belts by defeating Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
While the second fight – originally scored 115–113, before being dismissed with highs of 115–113 and 116–112 for Usyk – was close between the two, the undefeated Usyak found a way to beat Joshua. . Usyk’s victory and return to the boxing ring came after joining the front lines for the Ukrainian army when the country was invaded by Russia.
According to SI Sportsbook, Usyak (20-0, 13 KO) entered the fight against Joshua (+170) with better odds (-188). In addition to retaining his three heavyweight belts due to Tyson Fury’s retirement, Saturday’s fight came with the ring heavyweight title.
In a rematch between the two boxers, Oleksandr Usyak won again, retaining his three heavyweight belts by defeating Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
While the second fight – originally scored 115–113, before being dismissed with highs of 115–113 and 116–112 for Usyk – was close between the two, the undefeated Usyak found a way to beat Joshua. . Usyk’s victory and return to the boxing ring came after joining the front lines for the Ukrainian army when the country was invaded by Russia.
According to SI Sportsbook, Usyak (20-0, 13 KO) entered the fight against Joshua (+170) with better odds (-188). In addition to retaining his three heavyweight belts due to Tyson Fury’s retirement, Saturday’s fight came with the ring heavyweight title.
“We live together,” said the president. “We help each other. We restore what was destroyed. We fight for all our people. And we are happy for those who represent Ukraine today – certainly Usyak’s. For, our boys!”
And Usyak debuted as a favorite after beating Joshua in the first fight in London in September last year.
However, the British challenger, a two-time former champion, came to the rematch from his new trainer Robert Garcia with a new game plan: attack Usik’s body and keep the pressure up.
And it almost worked, with Usyk being driven to the limit in the ninth round as he was chased around the ring by Joshua, who landed the combinations and targeted Usik’s ribs.
Usyk took a deep breath at the bell, then came out hard in the 10th round, hurting Joshua with an early right hook and forcing him to the ropes in the first fight.
Joshua’s batting remained in 11th while 12th was evenly contested, the fight ending with both fighters – apparently ending – falling on their knees facing each other on the canvas.
sweat-soaked canvas
The opening round was tentative, with Joshua’s corner calling for him to adjust his rhythm, and the fight continued with Usyak using his jab and body shots to good effect.
Round eight was briefly paused for towels to wipe off the slippery, sweat-soaked canvas, but round nine turned up the heat again, with Joshua enjoying his best before Usyak returned in 10th. took.
Needing a knockout and running out of time, the tall and heavy Joshua was unable to strike hard against an agile and elusive opponent, who fought hard.
“In the ninth round I thought we had that,” said Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn. “The 10th round was one of the best rounds I have ever seen.
also read: Luke Knox, Florida International football player and younger brother of Buffalo…
